Dubai is making significant strides in empowering its national workforce within the thriving real estate sector through the “Dubai Real Estate Broker Programme.” The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has announced that registration remains open for Emirati citizens eager to join the initiative, which has already surpassed its annual qualification target by over 180% and facilitated property transactions exceeding AED 500 million from its launch through April 2025. This proactive approach underscores Dubai’s commitment to integrating national talent into key economic pillars, aligning with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 2033.
The program, spearheaded by the DLD, aims to increase the percentage of Emiratis working in real estate brokerage to 15% over the next three years. This ambitious target reflects the government’s dedication to providing specialized professional training, issuing “National Broker” licenses, allocating a percentage of real estate projects to program participants, and enhancing their employment prospects within active brokerage firms across Dubai.
Comprehensive Training and Strategic Partnerships Drive Success
Emirati citizens interested in the program can register easily via a dedicated link on the DLD’s official website using their UAE Pass. Upon registration, participants undergo comprehensive training in partnership with accredited academic institutions, such as the Innovation Experts Real Estate Institute. This structured training ensures that Emirati brokers are equipped with specialized real estate knowledge and professional skills, preparing them to navigate the complexities of Dubai’s dynamic property market. Successful completion of the program leads to the issuance of an official real estate broker card, valid for three years.
To foster broader participation and create a robust ecosystem, the DLD is actively calling on real estate developers and brokerage firms to collaborate and contribute. The department has already organized over 10 meetings with 71 strategic partners, including 26 development companies, 38 brokerage firms, and four training institutes, demonstrating a strong public-private sector synergy.
Incentives and Impact on Dubai’s Booming Real Estate Market
Further incentivizing the employment of Emirati talent, the DLD plans to implement a points-based incentive system for brokerage firms that hire Emirati citizens. These firms will receive additional points, enhancing their ranking within the DLD’s approved evaluation system and positively impacting their competitive position in the market.
The program’s efforts have already yielded tangible results, with property transactions facilitated by qualified Emirati brokers exceeding AED 500 million. Furthermore, 231 new real estate brokerage firms have been licensed since the program’s inception.
This initiative comes at a time when Dubai’s real estate market continues to experience significant growth. The first half of 2025 alone saw sales exceeding AED 326 billion, with over 98,000 sales transactions, marking a 22.7% year-on-year increase. This robust market, fueled by strong investor confidence, a growing population, and attractive government policies like the Golden Visa, provides fertile ground for the integration of skilled Emirati professionals.
By nurturing local talent and fostering collaboration, the Dubai Real Estate Broker Programme is not only boosting Emiratisation but also strengthening the national economy and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for talent and real estate investment.
Key Highlights:
- Dubai’s Land Department (DLD) is actively promoting the “Dubai Real Estate Broker Programme” to boost Emirati talent in the real estate sector, aiming for 15% Emirati participation in brokerage within three years.
- The program offers specialized training through accredited institutions, leading to a “National Broker” license, and has already exceeded its annual qualification target by over 180%.
- DLD is engaging real estate developers and firms through partnerships and will introduce an incentive points system to encourage the hiring of Emirati brokers.
- The initiative has already contributed to over AED 500 million in property transactions by qualified Emirati brokers and the licensing of 231 new brokerage firms, coinciding with a booming Dubai real estate market.